Fireworks Safety

Fireworks can be displayed in NSW for:

• an organised public display for a community or public organisation or event
• theatrical and / or indoor display
• technical non-display purposes such as an industrial or agricultural purpose eg a chimney testing or bird disturbing device.

The possession, use, storage and transport of display fireworks is restricted to individuals holding a:

• pyrotechnicians licence or
• fireworks (single use) licence.

A pyrotechnician’s licence or fireworks (single use) licence does not authorise the holder to sell fireworks. Separate licences are required to manufacture, import, supply, sell or store fireworks. Pyrotechnicians are also required to hold a valid unsupervised handling licence to handle fireworks without supervision. Single use fireworks licences will only be issued for a legitimate reason such as an organised public display that is open to the public.

The Guide to applying for fireworks (single use) Licence and the Guide to applying for a pyrotechnician’s licence provide more information.

In Victoria only licensed pyrotechnicians, persons under their direct supervision, or persons with a valid single occasion licence are allowed to discharge fireworks in Victoria.

• Service Provider Directory – view the current list of licensed pyrotechnicians

Applying to become a Licensed Pyrotechnician

WorkCover issues pyrotechnician’s licences to people who demonstrate adequate experience in the safe discharge of fireworks. Licensed pyrotechnicians may only discharge the types of fireworks printed on their licence and are required to notify WorkSafe Victoria whenever they intend to discharge Fireworks.

To obtain a licence to become a Pyrotechnician and discharge fireworks in Victoria the applicant must be able to show that they have practical experience in the discharge of fireworks, have completed an approved course (search training providers) or hold an interstate licence to discharge fireworks.

In QLD The use of fireworks is regulated under the Explosives Act 1999 and Explosives Regulation 2003. Only people who hold a Queensland fireworks operator’s licence can use fireworks.

The use of fireworks by the general public is illegal.

Find out more about safe use of fireworks, including Illegal Fireworks, Fireworks Licences, Safety Documents and more  . . .

Read the fireworks code of practice.

Getting a fireworks licence

Nationally agreed fireworks competencies are available for the training of fireworks operators and contractors.  The Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE is approved by the Department of Education and Training to deliver these competencies.

Find out more about fireworks licences.

Fireworks Safety Checklist produced by QLD Dept Education – Download Here

A few years ago we used to drive to Canberra to buy fireworks but new regulations mean fireworks can no longer be imported, sold or used in the ACT.

Anyone found with fireworks may face fines of up to $3,000.

The Dangerous Substances Act 2004 (ACT Legislation Register) restricts the sale, use and availability of fireworks in the ACT.

The Northern Territory is the only place in Australia where the public can legally buy fireworks. In NT, The public can purchase and use fireworks only on Territory Day – read Fireworks Safety Brochure

Safety Policy Example and hints – From Rapid Action Fireworks

At Rapid Action Fireworks safety is our number 1 priority. We are committed to providing a display that is completely safe for our staff as well as your special guests. To back this commitment up, we rigorously test all products prior to using them within a display. In this way we are assured that any malfunctioning or dangerous products do not end up being use as part of your display.

Rapid Action Fireworks have a safety record second to none and are currently insured with Lloyds of London to the value of $20,000,000.00 for Public Liability.

Our expert pyrotechnicians are fully trained to meet the latest industry standards and indeed the Australian Standards. Rapid Action Fireworks are foundation members of the Australian Pyrotechnics Association and comply with all of the Codes of Conduct and the Constitution as set down by the association.the following topics:

A Risk Assessment form is completed for each display as part of our Safety Procedures. This form is part of our overall safety plan which includes:

• Site Inspections

• Risk Assessment

• Display Design

• Notifications

• Packing at the Magazine

• Transport

• Day of Event Checks

• Set-up

• Hand-fired Displays Electronic Firing

• Testing

• Post Display

• Check Site

• Mis-fires

• Clean-up

• Week following Display

Rapid Action Fireworks follows a very strict and comprehensive Safety and Procedure Manual for displays. The following is a short exert from the Manual:

“All sites to be used as part of a display shall be inspected before proceeding with any part of the display process. This is important, as the size of the display area will directly affect if a display can indeed take place and relate to the calibre of pyrotechnic products used for the display. Upon checking a site the pyrotechnician will assess the following areas:

1. Wind Direction and Strength.
This may be different from the night of firing but checking the prevailing breeze will give you an understanding of what to expect. Asking the events organizer if they are familiar with the wind direction and strength may also be of benefit. This knowledge is also valuable in relation to knowing where the spectators are likely to be seated.

2. Distances.
This is your opportunity to check how much area is available for the firing site. This will directly affect the calibre of product to be used, (refer Safety Bulletin 17 A; DSN 2). When checking the distances it is important to ask the event organizer of any other stalls/displays that may need room to set up in and where they are to be located. If possible mark your boundaries with spray paint to ensure the area required.

3. Obstructions.
Look around and observe any objects that may be hazardous to firing. This can include large trees close to the set-up area, structures that are indirectly in the firing path of the pyrotechnic devices i.e. if firing from the top of a building check for aerials, satellite dishes, awnings etc. Note also any buildings that may need to be incorporated into the display area, for example a garden shed. Check what is stored within the building and ensure that it is uninhabited while firing.

4. Surrounding Area.
Check what type of environment is surrounding the firing site, i.e. housing, industrial, bushland. This is important to consider with regard to noise, safety – of residents and property, likely risk of incident, i.e. dry bushland. Note if in an industrial area if there are any Hazchem stores within the vicinity (refer AS 2187.4; Safety Bulletin 17 A; DSN 2). This will also affect the type of pyrotechnic devices to be used.

5. Spectator Points.
Ensure that the event organizer has enough room for the expected crowd. Show the event organizer where the barricade is likely to be so they can plan for more space if required.

6. Emergency Vehicle Access.
In the event of a serious incident, the police, ambulance and fire authority may need access to your site. It is important to locate access points and familiarize yourself and the event organizer of these. While it is not your responsibility to plan and organize for this, it is important that you make the organizer aware of this requirement.

Risk assessing is vital to a safe and enjoyable experience for the public viewing your display. ”

In the front centre of this image you can see four of the electrical safety isolation boards used to prevent premature firing of the fireworks. The circuits are completed and made live just prior to the firing. This is just one of the many techniques used to make sure our staff and your spectators are as safe as possible.

From PYRO.COM.AU:

So you managed to get your hands on some illegal fireworks, what do you do now?

Surrender them to a licenced pyrotechnician – no questions asked, or risk being fined and getting a criminal record. It’s that simple.

But if we can’t convince you to do that, you had better read this guide to minimise injury to yourself and those around you. Click Here

Tagged as: Public Liability